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Why Window Restoration Is Better Than Window Replacement

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Rarely do you see photos that show, without a doubt, that old windows are better than new ones. They obviously have more character with each pane set in a slightly different plane than its neighbor, creating a prismatic effect. But they’re better in other ways too.

Virginia Hesse, Principal Historical Architect, has one such photo hanging over her desk at the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission .

It’s a snapshot of a two windows side by side on the old Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company campus, at its peak the largest industrial complex in the country. Today it’s known as The Foundry.

On the left hand side of the photograph is a 24-over-24 wood true-divided light window dating from the late 19th century. On the right side an aluminium replica that was a mockup for a window replacement project. The former industrial complex is so vast it’s no longer possible to maintain the existing wood windows, which were once cared for by a crew that spent all its time – all it ever did – canvassing the vast complex carefully maintaining the divided light windows.

On the day the photo was taken, Virginia was supposed to go over and look at the mockup, see if this new replacement window, which wouldn’t require any maintenance, was a close enough visual match in the historic building. Of course, she preferred the old windows but understood the labor wasn’t there to restore the many thousands of them on the 26-acre industrial campus.

That same morning, a delivery of lumber was being hoisted six stories in a sling on the outside of the building. When it got to the top, a couple of two-by-fours fell. One piece punched into the old window, knocking out three of its 24 panes. The other punched into the new mockup window that looked like a divided light window but in reality was just two large sheets of insulated glass with an aluminum grid over it made to look like muntins. That window was completely destroyed.

“Maintenance free” (windows) means they cannot be maintained,” she said, adding about historic wood windows: “It shows how infinitely repairable they are – if you maintain them, they will last indefinitely.”

Homeowners should always look at old window restoration before replacing them. Too often they get taken in by arguments that replacement windows will conserve energy better since old windows are just drafty and inefficient. Sadly, there are many more contractors quick to replace windows than there are craftspeople who can repair them.

“Windows preserve the historic fabric,” Virginia said. “Repair before replace. Historic wood windows are repairable. Replacement windows are not.”

Indow inserts allow people to preserve the character of businesses and homes by creating double-pane performance with existing irreplaceable historic wood windows .

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Anonymous

Don't be afraid of buying an older home with single pane windows. This company has you covered. Their inserts are super high quality and fit well thanks to the laser measuring kit they send. Highly recommended!

Posted 5 hours ago

Katie M

We purchased three Indows to reduce drafts and noise in our bedroom, which faces the street. The improvement was immediate. Our house was built in 1958 and although we have exterior storm windows we didn't want to replace the windows outright due to cost and architectural consistency. These were an excellent solution.

Posted 1 day ago

Matthew L

Indow inserts were easy to measure, order and install. They've provided great insulation for old single-pane and stained glass windows in an antique home. We can significantly feel how much better the home holds heat.

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Posted 2 weeks ago

Elizabeth W

I can't say enough good things about this product and company. Our house is 101 years old and the sidelites next to our front door are single pane ancient wavy glass which means when it gets very cold (Chicago temps) we can have an inch of frost covering the INSIDE of our windows. I was desperately searching for a solution so our front vestibule was not so cold and a friend recommended Indow. The process could not have been simpler and the temperature difference it has made is off the charts.

Posted 2 weeks ago

Austin T

I have several historic single pane gridwork mullion windows. They're beautiful but have almost no thermal protection. Indows proved to be the perfect solution to preserve these windows while getting the thermal comfort we need. They were easy to install and work perfectly!

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Posted 1 month ago

ted t

Our home was built in the late 1800s and we have spent a lot of money over the last 20+years restoring it.We did not want to replace the windows with modern windows because of the cost and originality. But the single pane windows come with a price also. the main reason we purchased the Indow window inserts is because of the condensation on the inside of the windows.We would literally have a take a towel and wipe them down every morning in the winter. There would be a puddle on the sill,and wood and water dont get along to well. SO we looked into the best solution to our problem and found Indow. Was reluctant to spend that much money but am super glad we did!! They have been installed now for over two months and our condensation problem has been virtually eliminated.!!! AND our furnace does not run as much as it did before. Over all it was money well spent!! The process was a little scary at first but they have a simple formula. And our contact person,Reed was awesome. Answered any questions i had and was always available.

Posted 1 month ago

Anonymous

Used to block interior side of a garden window in the the kitchen. Without insert, cold air literally poured into the kitchen making a winter jacket almost mandatory when preparing meals or washing dishes

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Rob S

Highly recommend! The team (Brian) took time to help me figure out the best solution. They were made and delivered faster than expected. It was very rewarding to install them because I could feel the cold air get squeezed out as they went flush against the single pane of glass. Solid quality and great fit.

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Alexa L

My inserts fit beautifully into my 125 year old windows - many of which were 5 feet tall. Easy to unwrap and install. Great product and even better service! I liked the process of measuring the windows with a laser measuring tool which was easy to use and precise. The product came in good condition after shipping across country and was well marked. The customer support was excellent.

Posted 1 month ago

Sarah D

Received our Indow Windows and can tell they are blocking a lot of the noise we could hear. Right now the weather is mild, but hoping to notice a big difference when the summer heats up. Our house is in a historic district and we cannot change our windows. They are very drafty and thin glass. We only ordered two, but we are in the process of ordering for four more. Love that we don’t need to drill holes or anything and they just pop right in.

Posted 2 months ago

Allan F

Every thing arrived in perfect condition, thanks to the very secure packaging. Windows fit as expected, although quite tight. After installation we noticed that the cold drafts were gone and the room felt a lot warmer. We are very satisfied with the product and the result.

Posted 2 months ago